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This research was not created by ArchCity Defenders and we are not responsible for its content, nor can we confirm its accuracy. All court forms and other government documents are provided as examples. We cannot confirm that they are up to date. The information on this form and procedures outlines could change at any time.

All information provide online and sample templates are provided to support people representing themselves in court. This information is provided for general informational purposes only. We have tried to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible but laws can change and your individual situation may be different. No information in this guide should be understood as legal advice from ArchCity Defenders. We expressly disclaim all liability that results from actions taken or not taken in reliance on this guide. If you have further questions, please consult a lawyer. We do not intend this information as advertising or solicitation. By providing this information, we are not acting as your lawyer.

A resource with information more information about where individuals can access supportive services. We cannot ensure the accuracy of this information and individuals should check the Start Here website for the most updated guide.

This is the form to fill if you would like to request a new trial after a guilty plea in St. Louis Municipal Court. Please contact the court for a form for review of county cases. Check with the court to ensure this is the correct form for your situation.

This is the form to fill to apply for a special driving license if your license is suspended or revoked. Check with the court to make sure you are eligible and that this is the correct form for your situation

This form may be submitted to the court to try to expunge your record. Please see the website to ensure that you are submitting all required documents and that you are eligible to expunge your record. There is more information online about how to waive the cost of expungement.

This form may be submitted to the court to try to expunge your arrests. Please see the website to ensure that you are submitting all required documents and that you are eligible to expunge your arrests. There is more information online about how to waive the cost of expungement.

The Close the Workhouse campaign is a campaign led by directly impacted peoples to close the Workhouse, decarcerate the city by 33% and reinvest in programs and services for all our communities. Check out the website for more info on how to get involved!

Founded in 2009, ArchCity Defenders is a non profit civil rights law firm based in St. Louis, practicing holistic legal advocacy, and committed to combating the criminalization of poverty and state violence against the poor and people of color. ArchCity uses direct services, impact litigation, and policy and media advocacy as its primary tools to promote justice, protect civil and human rights, and bring about systemic change on behalf of the poor and communities of color directly impacted by the abuses of the legal system.

ArchCity’s clients are predominantly poor and black residents throughout St. Louis, who are inescapably targeted and punished by the criminal legal system of police, courts, and jails. As a result of our clients’ interactions within this system, they experience a constellation of adverse effects. Our clients have lost jobs, vehicles, and apartments, and have faced barriers regaining employment and housing. Through holistic legal advocacy, ArchCity Defenders fights for our clients in court, helps families to rebuild their lives, and files civil rights lawsuits to challenge the direct and systemic abuses of the criminal legal system. We also engage in media and policy advocacy, and collaborate with organizers, universities, and racial justice organizations in St. Louis and across the country, to transform the criminal legal system.

ArchCity Defenders has grown from an all-volunteer organization of three to a full-time staff of 15 in 2018. ArchCity currently represents people in more than 1000 cases and are committed to helping people get off the streets and stay off the streets. Since 2014, the nonprofit firm has filed a total of 34 civil rights cases, including 16 class-action cases.